Lucas talks movies

Liverpool’s Brazilian veteran would take Simon Mignolet with him to the cinema, his favourite snack is popcorn and when asked who he’d like to play him in a film he says: “A good-looking guy and a good actor!”

15:56

Gini is a 'real red'

Fans loving Wijnaldum’s passion.

The Dutchman celebrated wildly after seeing his through ball converted by Sadio Mane against Spurs on Saturday.

Handover

He’s in fresh with a payday haircut. Not sure whether he’d get away with it in the UAE, though..

14:50Joe Rimmer

Samba stars enjoy concert

In case you wondered what Firmino, Coutinho and co were tweeting about earlier this week..

14:32Joe Rimmer

Watch - Gerrard talks Legends return

You may have missed the news that Steven Gerrard is to pull on a Liverpool shirt once again.

Here he is on the news:

14:07Joe Rimmer

Thanks, James

Phew. That’s it from James. He can go have an Estrella now and wait for the Reds to arrive.

You’ve earned it, James.

14:07James Pearce

Bye for now!

Thanks for all the questions. We’ll do this again soon.

14:05James Pearce

Pearce's top four prediction

James: That’s a tough one Steve. I still fancy Liverpool to finish in the top four. The first half of the season showed what this squad can achieve when the top talent are fit and they have a full week to prepare for games.

I would never advise anyone to follow my tips but my prediction for the top four would be: 1) Chelsea 2) Manchester City 3) Liverpool 4) Tottenham.

Arsenal and Manchester United to miss out.

14:00James Pearce

Klopp on Cameron Brannagan

James: I’d say it’s likely that Brannagan will move on permanently in the summer.

I think he’s got loads of talent and will go on to have a decent career but the fact that Klopp overlooked him in the first half of the season was telling. Ejaria jumped above him in the pecking order.

There was talk of a permanent deal for Brannagan in the January window but that went quiet after he suffered ankle ligament damage in December.

It’s good to see him doing well on loan at Fleetwood. I’m sure there will be plenty of Championship clubs keen on him come the summer.

13:57James Pearce

Pearce on loanees Flanagan & Ward

James: Yeah, we’re reaching that stage of the season where thoughts turn to whether those out on loan have a future at LFC.

In terms of Danny Ward, he’s rated very highly. Klopp wanted him to go to Huddersfield and play regularly at a decent level and he’s done that.

Whether Klopp sees him as a potential No 1 next season, I’m not sure. Time will tell.

As for Jon Flanagan, Klopp wanted him to get regular game time at Burnley. Unfortunately, that hasn’t worked out with Flanagan only making eight appearances for the Clarets so far. Hopefully he can enjoy a strong end to the season and give Klopp plenty to ponder.

But it’s clearly going to be tough because it’s not just Nathaniel Clyne he has to shift for that right-back spot. This season has also seen the emergence of teenager Trent Alexander-Arnold, who Klopp is a big fan of.

13:52James Pearce

Pearce on Henderson's position

James: Very impressed. I’ll hold my hands up and admit that back in August I thought Klopp had made a big mistake not buying a holding midfielder. I also doubted whether Henderson had the qualities to play that role as I’d always seen him operating further forward.

I was wrong. Henderson was outstanding in the first half of the season. His form was clearly affected by that heel problem but he looked back to his best last weekend. If he keeps playing like that Liverpool won’t need to buy a No 6.

13:43James Pearce

James on a Lucas testimonial

James: Nothing official from the club as of yet. He certainly deserves one. It will be 10 years this summer since he signed and that’s some achievement when you consider he’s played under five different LFC managers. Lucas gets a lot of unfair stick. You don’t survive at a club as long as he has unless you are a top professional.

He could have left for Inter Milan in January but Klopp was glad he stayed put.

The club don’t have any set rules about testimonials. It’s not like if you are there for a decade you automatically get one but I hope they recognise Lucas’ service in that manner.

13:40James Pearce

Pearce on what Klopp has planned in La Manga

James: Training, more training and some team bonding. He gave the players three days off after the win over Spurs and now it’s back down to business. He knows how valuable this time could prove to be.

13:39James Pearce

Pearce on when Reds arrive in La Manga

James: It’s a two-and-a-half hour flight so I’m expecting LFC to arrive in La Manga around 7.30pm/8.30pm Spanish time this evening. No word yet on any fans will be allowed to watch training.

13:38James Pearce

Pearce on Klopp's La Manga squad

James: Yeah, once I have details on that I’ll report it. LFC don’t fly out until late afternoon.

I’m sure Klopp will bring the entire first-team squad, plus a number of young players for the experience. I’m told no golf is planned but there are various team bonding exercises as well as training sessions.

13:35James Pearce

Pearce on Grujic's injury

James: Good question and one I don’t know the answer to. Last time I checked LFC weren’t sure how long he would be out. He was close to a comeback after hamstring tendon trouble when he suffered a setback in training. When I get the chance here, I’ll ask Klopp.

It’s been a tough first season at LFC for Grujic but he was one who was bought for the long-term. His time will come. I really like the look of him. Big, strong, powerful, decent passer and finisher too. He’s got everything you need to succeed in English football.

13:30James Pearce

Pearce on Markovic's Liverpool future

James: Yeah, that’s an interesting one. Markovic is still only 22 and he has enjoyed a bright start to his loan spell at Hull City.

Personally, I think he faces an uphill battle to force his way into Klopp’s plans. It was telling that Klopp turned down the chance to have Markovic back for the second half of the season when Sporting looked to cut short his season-long loan.

Markovic plays in a position where LFC aren’t exactly blessed with cover but Klopp was happy for him to be off-loaded to Hull.

The Serb failed to impress Klopp during pre-season last summer. I wouldn’t say the door is shut but he’s up against it. He’s got three months at Hull to change the manager’s opinion.

13:25James Pearce

Pearce on summer transfer business

James: Good question. As you say, I think a lot hinges on whether LFC are back in the Champions League. If they are then Klopp has to ensure he has a squad strong enough to compete on both fronts. We won’t want a repeat of what happened in 2014/15.

He 100% needs to buy a top striker, plus at least one wide attacker, a central midfielder, a centre-back and a left-back. There’s also the goalkeeper situation. Does he stick with Mignolet/Karius or does he bring in someone else? I think what happens between now and May will determine that.

13:21James Pearce

Pearce on life as LFC reporter

James: I’m lucky to have a very understanding wife! Also, I really don’t mind the travelling and it beats being sat in Old Hall Street. This job does take over a lot of your life but it’s also a very privileged position and I’m lucky to do it. I remind myself of that on days when I’m moaning!

13:18James Pearce

Pearce on Can & Wijnaldum

James: Yeah, spot on. If you believed social media on the back of that win over Spurs then Gini Wijnaldum is a world beater and Emre Can is a pub player.

I actually thought Can played very well against Chelsea. There have been times when Can and Wijnaldum have played well together.

I just don’t think you can have both of them together in the same midfield alongside Jordan Henderson in a contest against one of the lesser sides who sit back and just look to frustrate. That’s where you need the guile of Adam Lallana in the central areas.

13:16James Pearce

Pearce on Reds' interest in Dahoud

James: All gone very quiet on Dahoud. Liverpool were very keen last summer but Moenchengladbach didn’t want to sell. Since then I’ve not heard Dahoud mentioned. I’ll get on the case.

13:09James Pearce

Pearce on Sturridge's Anfield future

James: Straight in at the deep end there Joel.

My personal opinion is that no, I don’t think Daniel Sturridge will still be a Liverpool player next season.

In so many of the big games this season he’s been overlooked by Jurgen Klopp. He has struggled to impress the manager. I just don’t think he fits Klopp’s style.

Unless the situation changes drastically between now and May, I’d expect him to move on this summer.

13:08Joe Rimmer

Live Q&A with James Pearce from La Manga

Here’s James - I’ll hand you straight over to him now. We have a few questions lined up.